Chairman’s Charity Committee raises £21,000 for good causes

A STAGGERING £21,000 was donated to local charities and organisations by the Saddleworth Parish Council’s Chairman’s Charity Committee.

The committee, headed by Diane Sheldon, wife of outgoing chair Graham, organised a host of exciting events throughout the year, including wedding fayres, fashion shows, flea markets, a comedy night and a calendar.

The Chairman named Dr Kershaw’s and St Mary’s Hospital Placenta Research Clinic as his chosen charities, and they each received £6,000.

Eleven Whit Friday committees across the community were given £250 each and Cllr Sheldon praised the hard work that goes into organising and funding the events.

He said: “We’d like to help Whit Friday funds as we’ve always been a part of it and love the day so it is something we do not want to lose.”

Eight local band clubs also received various donations, £100 went to Greenfield Dog Club, £100 to Uppermill Methodist Church and £100 to Chernobyl Children Life Line.

Saddleworth Museum received £250 and there was £200 each for the Hawkyard and Whitehead Education Foundation, the Saddleworth Home Safety Committee, Delph Senior Citizens and Diggle Diamonds.

And £250 was donated to each of Saddleworth Village Olympics, Saddleworth Rangers, Uppermill Sports, Greenfield Cricket Club and 3Ds football club, with the remaining balance going to St Mary’s Church in Greenfield and their Church Organ fund.

Cllr Sheldon added: “I want to thank the committee for all their hard work and also everyone who has come along to the events and supported us as we couldn’t do it without you.”